Olo Route (Esplanade to Rim)
This route, although difficult, offers a quick exit from the esplanade to within a very short distance from the Great Thumb jeep road.
Vital Statistics
Maps
Harvey Butchart map of Canyon Routes
Trail Description
The route begins northeast of Hamidrik Point by ascending a large debris fan or talus slope to nearly the top of the Coconino. The slope is steep and covered with sagebrush as well as numerous horse trails. Of the maze of horse trails none appears to be better trhan another. Upon reaching the top of the Coconino you will reach two use areas of exposed rock where about 30 feet of webbing is useful for moving packs up or down. Continue almost straight up through the brush into the Toroweap. In this section there is an obvious trail no doubt used by bug horn sheep. Once through this steep section begin following the obvious narrow path to the left (east)> It is about 8 inches wide but quite hard packed by the big horns. There is significant exposure here! (Almost straight above this section there is a narrow break in the Kaibaba that is worth investigating.) At this point we saw a group on nine big horns scampering along a pretty tenuous ledge above us. A great sight. After just a tenth of a mile or so this narrow path brings you to the main gully. Climb up here to the obvious pouroff at the top of the Kaibab. The best ways around the pouroff appeared to be two different climbs up the edge systems to the left of the pouroff. But the rock here consists of extremely large blocks of rotten limestone. At this point we found the webbing quite comforting for lifting the packs up this 15-25 foot third class climb.
This route has a great deal of exposure, there’s a crumbling trail in places and the rotten rock in the Kaibab makes this a route only for the most seasoned Canyon hikers.
Campsites
Nothing suitable above the Redwall. Good sites on the Tonto.
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From the grca bro archives
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